Following yesterday’s springlike tease, winter’s wrath has returned with near blizzard conditions in parts of the region says Environment Canada

In a Special Weather Statement issued at around 1 p.m., “An intense storm system centre over Southwestern Pennsylvania continues to track northeastwards and will pass south of the Lower Great Lakes today. Snow and blowing snow has enveloped most of Southern Ontario and is falling quite heavy for many areas. The heaviest snow early this afternoon stretches from Southwestern Ontario through Toronto and the Golden Horseshoe as well as along the north shores of Lake Ontario and the St Lawrence River. Warnings are in effect for many of these areas.

However, a significant snowfall of up to 15 cm is likely from Southern Lake Huron across the Greater Toronto area to the south of Ottawa. This is close to the warning criteria of 15 cm in a 12-hour period. Strong winds are creating near blizzard conditions in some of these areas as well. Amounts will trail off to 5 cm from Northern Lake Huron across Barrie to near or just north of Ottawa.

The heaviest snow is expected to begin tapering off by 3 p.m. in Toronto and a little later farther east. The visibility should improve accordingly.

Motorists are advised to exercise caution when travelling today due to poor visibilities in snow and blowing snow as well as slippery roads.

The snow will taper off late today or this evening.

The public is advised to monitor future forecasts and warnings as warnings may be required or extended.